SMPTE 2110 in Pixotope Graphics

Pixotope Graphics now supports SMPTE 2110 through integration with Matrox ST2110 network cards (DSX LE series), enabling seamless connectivity in IP-based production environments. This advancement marks a significant shift from traditional SDI infrastructure to more flexible, scalable IP workflows.

What is SMPTE 2110?

SMPTE 2110 is a suite of standards from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) for professional media transport over IP networks. Unlike SDI, which bundles video, audio, and ancillary data into a single signal, ST 2110 separates these elements into independent streams.

For complete documentation, please visit https://www.smpte.org/smpte-st-2110-faq

Supported ST 2110 and related standards

1. NMOS (Networked Media Open Specifications) is a family of open-source specifications produced by the Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA) that provides the essential control layer for interoperability between IP-based media devices from different manufacturers, acting as the "special sauce" that binds together ST 2110. NMOS enables seamless connection, management, and control of video and audio equipment in a vendor-agnostic environment.

For complete documentation, please visit https://specs.amwa.tv/nmos/

2. ST 2022-7, also known as "Seamless Protection Switching", is another SMPTE standard that enables the creation of redundant data streams for media transport over IP networks. This standard allows for seamless switching between these streams at the packet level, ensuring uninterrupted transmission even if one stream experiences losses or interruptions.

Benefits of Moving to ST 2110

1. Simplified Infrastructure: Replace complex SDI routing with standard IP network infrastructure

2. Format Flexibility: Support multiple formats and resolutions simultaneously

3. Resource Optimisation: Independent routing of video, audio, and data streams

4. Scalability: Easier expansion of production capabilities

5. Future-Proofing: Foundation for cloud-based and remote production workflows

New Requirements vs. Traditional SDI

• Precision Timing Protocol (PTP): Essential for synchronisation across devices

• Network Infrastructure: High-bandwidth, low-latency network switches

• IP Knowledge: Team expertise in network configuration and management

• Quality of Service (QoS): Proper network configuration for reliable performance

Implementation with Pixotope

Pixotope Graphics supports ST 2110 via Matrox ST2110 network cards (DSX LE series), enabling:

• Seamless integration with existing IP infrastructure

• Multiple input/output streams

• Low-latency performance

• Hardware-accelerated processing

Getting Started

1. Install and configure PTP (2110) in the network

2. Ensure network infrastructure meets ST 2110 requirements → See our recommended technology partners below

3. Configure Matrox cards in Pixotope

4. Set up monitoring solutions (recommended) → See our recommended technology partners below

For detailed setup instructions and support, contact our technical team or refer to our comprehensive documentation.

Recommended Technology Partners

Network Infrastructure: Netgear

While Pixotope's ST 2110 implementation works with any compatible network switch, we recommend Netgear's purpose-built solutions:

• Netgear M4350-16V4C & M4350-40X4C

  • Certified ST 2110 support

  • Simplified PTP configuration

  • Built-in QoS profiles for broadcast

  • Intuitive management interface

Monitoring Solutions: Bridge Technologies

For comprehensive IP workflow monitoring, we recommend:

• Bridge Technologies VB440

  • Real-time ST 2110 stream analysis

  • PTP stability monitoring

  • Advanced visualization tools

  • Timing and network performance metrics